Two-stage process for hydrogen isotope loading in a cathode material

Abstract

The present invention to control loaded isotopic fuel within a material uses a two-stage method which involves a first stage of electrode loading, and then, a second stage of sudden rapid (“catastrophic”) flow of hydrogen within the metal. In one configuration means are provided to minimize the degradation of the loaded material. The apparatus includes a novel cathode, novel anode, and heat pipes, to improve reaction rates. The apparatus includes means to extract products. The apparatus includes intraelectrode barriers to obstruct the movement of the isotopic fuel. The apparatus includes thermal and electrical busses, and enables integration of smaller units into larger assemblies.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of electrochemically loading a material with a hydrogen isotope, which includes:
 applying a power source to create an electric field between a cathode and an anode in a modified aqueous solution consisting of a gel containing lithium deuteroxide, palladium deuteroxide, and the hydrogen isotope; 
 providing an inner thermal barrier pipe within and coaxial to the cathode; 
 surrounding the exterior of the cathode with a deuteron-impermeable barrier; 
 surrounding the deuteron-impermeable barrier with an expansion barrier; 
 surrounding the expansion barrier with a structural support; 
 increasing the temperature to a critical temperature for loading the maximum amount of hydrogen isotope without causing defects or dislocations in the cathode;
 wherein the cathode is coaxially-shaped, and consists of any one of a member of the following group: palladium, vanadium, tantalum, niobium, lanthanum, and cerium; 
 wherein the anode consists of palladium and is cruciform-shaped. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cathode further comprises epoxy or tungsten microspheres. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , where the additional step is taken of obstructing a diffusion flux by a by the deuteron-impermeable diffusion barrier located exterior to the cathode.